
Class 

Book _ . ,_ 

COPYRrCHT DEPOSIT. 



My Lady Muse 



and 



OTHER POEMS 



by 



JOHN D. NUSSBAUM 



of the 



New York Bar 



Copyright 1912 



PRESS OF J. SALDINGER 

New York 



Ts 



3Say 
Uf/18 



*£CI,A300700 



1^ 



DEAR READER 



T is with fear and trembling that I enter 
the gates of publicity. I fear the storm 
of criticism that will break over my head 
for having dared to court the muses in a 
language not my own, except by adoption, at a late 
period of life. For has not Macaulay said in his 
sketch of Frederick The Great : "No noble work of 
imagination, as far as we recollect, was ever com- 
posed by any man except in a dialect which he had 
learned without remembering how or when, and 
which he had spoken with perfect ease before he had 
analyzed its structure." If this be true, I am appre- 
hensive that it may prove my undoing as a poet in 
the language of Shakespere. But if, peradventure, my 
verses should happen to please, I shall be happy 
indeed ! 

THE AUTHOR. 



Ill 



CONTENTS 



Shulamith 


7 


My Lady Muse 


8 


My Love's a Golden Dream 


9 


Love Eternal .... 


10 


My "East-Side" Belle . 


12 


I'm Asleep, But My Heart's Awake 


13 


Nashotah .... 


14 


To-Day 


17 


Little Children (I) 


18 


Little Children (II) 


19 


Little Dears .... 


20 


Our Little Ones 


22 


Nathan Strauss 


23 


Old Trinity .... 


24 


The World, The Flesh and the Devil . 


26 


The Way of The Philanthropist is Hard 


28 


Woman .... 


30 


There's a Reason 


32 


The Pitiless Sea— and the Merciful Earth 


33 


The Passing Cloud 


34 


Striving . . . 


35 


The Ship of Life 


36 



IV 



CONTENTS 



To Nimrods . . . . 




37 


Unbidden Guests 




38 


Nil Desparandum 




39 


My Country , . . , 




40 


In Exitu Israel De Russiu 




42 


The Ninth of Ab 




44 


Remember 




45 


Zion's Plight 




46 


The Wandering Jew 




48 


Abraham and Abraham 




51 


The Poor Also Give Thanks . 




52 


The Christmas Tip 


. 




53 


Faith of My Fathers 


. 




54 


The Tongue 


. 




5G 


Pastor Vs. Castor 


. 




58 


If 






01 


Not Yet 


. 




G2 


A Moral 


. 




G4 


Where Do I Come In 






66 


Joseph Marcus . 


. 




69 


Lex and Medicus 






TO 


There's Something in th 


le Air . 




72 




(In memory of my beloved little girl Shulamith, 
who departed her life in October, 1904. age three 
years and a half.) 



Peace **, thy name , O Shulamith, did spell; 
Child of perfect beauty, tcK>, it meant: 
What, remembrance now is left to tell. 
Remind of thee, my pure, my innocent. 
Sweet, little-darling Shulamith? 

Peace ! And may the peace by name we know 
Find the way into the wounded breast! 
Lo! In heaven a new star's aglow! 
'Tis my little bird that flew to nest 
'Mong stars of peace— my Shulamith! 




(Shulamith in Biblical Hebrew means Peace, also 
Perfection) 



J 




Heaps of abuse 
Have fallen on me, 
My Lady Muse 
For the love of thee ! 

Even my spouse , 
Sweet Emily , 
Has fled my house 
Because of thee! 

I'm left alone. 
To sing my ditty; 
The friends, I've known 
Eye me with pity! 

'*I must be crazy", 
All of them say, 
*'Or else, a lazy. 
Good-for-nothing Jay" ! 

All this I stand 
And much more abuse ; 
Uphold my hand! 
Sweet Lady Muse ! 





MY LOVE'S 
A. GOLDEN DREAM 




In Fancy-land my Love 
As queen doth reign supreme: 
The image of all fancies, She, 
My Love's a golden dream! 

Would that my dream could last 
More than awhile! But no; 
A rude awak'ning all-too-soon 
Extinguishes bright vision's glow ! 

REFRAIN : 

O Love, my golden dream. 
Thou art sun's fairest beam ! 
Without thee. Love, we seem 
A shadow — but a dream! 





When the autumn - leaves are f alhng — 

Leaves of yellow, golden hue 

And deserted fields of plenty 

Yield but drops of morning-dew; 

When the gentle summer-breezes 

Are but wafts of yesterday. 

And the north-west winds, the chilly, 

Usher in long winter's stay; 

When the earth with frost is bitten, 

And the world is wrapped in snow 

Somewhere warm the sun is shining. 
In my heart, where Love I know! 



10 




II 

When the autumn -leaves are falHng 
Off the fruitful tree-of-life; 
And, stripped of his strength, his power, 
Helpless man gives up the strife; 
When the dreams of youth no longer 
Follow in the wake of morn. 
And at eventide the darkness 
Thicker grows, hope seems forlorn; 
When with palsy limbs are shaking, 

And the voice h?.s lost its ring 

When the end comes. Love still whispers 
*Tear not death, new life I bring!' 




11 




I often meet 
A maiden sweet, 
When to and fro 
The "East" I go. 

Her name is not 
PauHne, Charlotte, 
But Rachel (Lamb), ^• 
Whose garment's hem. 
To touch, I deem 
A blissful dream ! 

You see, perchance 

A bashful glance 

A simple air 

A beautiful pair 
Of lovely eyes. 
In whose depth lies 
A charmer's spell 



My **East-Side" Belle! 




i^The meaning of Rachel, in Hebrew, is Lamb 



12 




I'M ASLEEP, BUT MY 
HEART'S AWAKE. 




When my weary eyes are seeking 
Sleep's refreshing couch at night. 
Then their closing lids in slumber 
Find disclosed new realms of light! 

As I to the brink am borne. 
Brink of life's forgetfulness! 
And, bereft of all my senses, 
Left I am in helplessness; 

As I sink into oblivion 

Up creep shadows from the deep; 
Phantoms rise into existence, 
Worlds— but I am fast asleep! 

Fast asleep, yea, but a wakeful 
Heart beats in my troubled breast; 
Though unconscious, yet the bosom 
Never knows a moment's rest! 

At all stages, waking, sleeping, 
Life in one long dream is bound; 
It's interpretation no rnan 
Knows A mystery profound! 




13 




A wee. little country -lass I know 
And cherish with Love's ardent glow ! 
In vain I seek near her to be, 
She hides in blushing modesty! 
Far away, in the golden West, 
Where Indian -summers smile their best. 

And gleam with light the silvery lakes 

There merrily sings, while my heartaches. 
In happy ignorance of me, 
Nashotah! Her sweet melody! 



14 




II 



Alas! Too far from thy retreat. 
Dear heart, have strayed my restless feet; 
Yet from afar my eyes behold 
Thee often, as in dreams of old. 
Arrayed in dazzling, snow-white fleece. 
And wrapped in air of sylvan peace ! 
Far away in the golden West, 
Where builds the bird its coziest nest. 
Nestles prettily, in her bower of green, 
Nashotah! My most beautiful queen! 



15 




Ill 



A score of fleeting years has spread 
Its swiftest wings and past me fled 
To spheres of everlasting Hght; 
Whilst I, in my attempted flight 
To lofty heights, am left behind, 
With poverty and fate unkind. 
Unceasingly, to wrestle and contend- 
What makes me fight unto the end 
And look for final victory? 
Nashotah! Thy dear memory! 




16 



V 




Let poets praise the good old days. 
The ages past, the ancient lore ! 
Let dreamers dream of far-off gleam, 
Of lights that shone in days of yore; 

As for me, all I can see 

Is, "To-day" — Nothing but To-day! 



Let seers see a!l that shall be 
In the far iuture, good and weU ! 
Let sages wise the fall and rise 
Of coming storms and tides foretell; 

A.S for me all I would see 

Is, "To-day" — Nothing but To-day! 



f et others trust in chance and gust. 
On "To-mcrrow" stake their hopes ! 
The foolish may employ their day 
Vainly mending broken ropes; 

As for me, all I shall see 

Is, "To-day," nothing but To-day!" 




17 




**Little children!** darlings sweet. 
Let me worship at your feet! 
For in you Love's holy fruit 
I behold, revere, salute! 

"Little children! '* darlings sweet, 
Your favor, I, your love entreat! 
For though you be but children small. 
To me, you are — the world and all ! 

**Little children! ** where*er your home, 
In lowly or in lofty dome; 
Of whatever race or call, 
I adore you, one and all ! 




18 




-^ II ^~-- 

**Little children !" WorlHs-^joy! 
'Round a little baby-boy, 
'Round a tiny mite-of-a- girl 
In one rapturous inotion whirl ! 

"Little children/' O the joy! 
To behold a little boy; 

Or a doll-of-a-girl neat 

Is there anything more sweet? 

Little children everywhere: 
Some are dark, and some are fair; 
Some are cute and some are queer. 
Everyone, a '*LittIe-dear" ! 




19 




I love you for your eyes of blue; 
Little dears, do love me too! 
For your brown or black orbs-bright. 
Twinkling like the stars of night 1 

II 

For your sweet-faced innocence. 
Beaming with intelligence; 
For your spirits, light and gay. 
Brimful with the mirth of play! 

Ill 

For your pretty, childish ways, 
Whims and fancies, games and plays ; 
For your laughter, loud and clear, 
Ringing with delight, good cheer! 



20 




IV 



For your showers of sudden tears. 
Fraught with foohsh frets and fears 
For your quick forgetfuInes= 
Of all ills what blessedness! 



* * 

* 



Little children," one is calhng, 
"Unto me come.'* leaves are falling 
And my tears in torrents shower 
Upon an early, faded flower! 




21 




As I look into your eyes, 
Little ones, a paradise 
Looms up, blossoms into sight, 
Full of infinite delight! 

And a longing at the core 
Of my heart sighs: **Evermore! 
Evermore, O heavens mild I 
Let me be a Httle child!'* 

Then I would to Fairy-land 
Hie me, run upon the sand 
Of its shores in childish glee, 
Happy — as only child can be ! 

Little children, full of fun 
As of light the God-blest sun! 
Tedious hours your mirth beguiles 
What vs^ere life without your smiles? 




22 




In this blessed land of ours. 
Where as nothing kings are counted. 
Merit only wears a crown; 
Where all men are born equal. 
Equal stand 'fore God and men; 
Lives a citizen most honored, 
Blessed, revered, beloved by all! 
He is not a man of learning, 
Altogether too profound, 
But a simple man, a lover 
Of the "Little Innocents'*. 
NATHAN STRAUSS, of him I sing 
He, the man who saves the babies 
From disease, from early death. 
Giving them with human kindness 
Milk purified and fit to drink. 
What reward shall he receive 
In the day of great rewards? 
Virtue's own Sweet recompense! 




23 




Lo! Yonder stands on crowded stage 
A lonely Church bedeckt with age ! 
Though many be that pass her place. 
But few do stop for word of grace 
Or blessing of Divinity 
At Church of dear, old Trinity! 

II 

The noble race she loved and blest 
Beneath her sod has gone to rest. 
Now, all alone, she strives to sow 
The Seed of Faith 'mong tares that grow 
And choke the fair vicinity 
Of the old Church of Trinity! 

Ill 

Her sweetly-ringing chimes I hear 
But faintly, though with eager ear 
I listen to their charming play! 
For rumbling noises, all the day 
And all the night impair and pall 
Old Trinity's enchanting call! 



24 




IV 

Her steeple, once a lofty spire. 
Reminding of things better, higher^ 
A dwarf it seems, now, small in size. 
Compared with giant walls that rise 
Above it in colossal height. 
Obscuring dear, old Trinity's light! 



Her darkness deepens into night. 
Old Trinity's nowhere in sight! 
For cursed Mammon's avarice 
Has claimed another sacrifice! 
^'Another New- York landmark gone," 
Historians quote, the world gees on ! 




— 




THE WORLD, THE FLESH 
AND THE DEVIL 




Through night's long and weary hours. 
Vigil keeping 'gainst temptation. 
Sits the lonely cloistered novice 
In profoundest contemplation. 

II 

Round about him perfect stillness. 
Not a stirring sound intrudes; 
His imagination peoples 
Emptiness with multitudes! 

Ill 

And he sees the busy world 
With its noisy, merry-making 
Crowds his solitude invading, 
His lone cell in adverse=taking! 



26 




THE WORLD, THE FLESH 
AND THE DEVIL 




IV 

*'Holy Mother," cries the recluse, 
*Micl the battle's noise and din, 
"Whither shall I flee for refuge 
"From a world steeped in sin?'* 

V 

"Nowhere, child," the Mother 
Gently makes reply; "thy level 
Best, thy utmost, in the world 
Do, and thou shalt shame the devil! 




27 




THE WAY 

OF THE PHILANTHROPIST 

IS HARD 




{Andrew Carnegie) 



When on his throne King David sat 
In dear, old -dear Jerusalem, 
And to him came as supplicant 
A shivering, naked, shorn lamb. 

Or widow crying for relief 

Then woe betide that sneaking thief ! 

For justice swift he would receive 

And punishment without delay. 

** Tis philanthropy,*' the king would state, 

"That hard be made transgressor's way!'* 



3d 




-i)^^.,,,,^ 



THE WAY W^^\ 
OF THE PHILANTHROPIST 
IS HARD 




II 

But when in "New-Jerusalem** 

Of millions two a man was robbbed, 

And he, a worthy philanthrop. 

Silence kept, while ''Bankers'* sobbed 

And cried and stormed for lucre more. 

Or else — - there would be spilled some gore! 

That man was called yet to explain 

Afore the People's Sovereignty 

How dared he **No** to say? — Said he: 

"Too hard*s the way of philanthropy!*' 




39 




WOMAN 




(Ancient) 

There's a dear, angelic creature. 
Lovely , and of comely feature ; 
Fascinating , sweet, delicious. 
Yet withal — a thing capricious ! 
Feminine it is of gender, 
And of heart most kind and tender; 
More divine indeed than human. 
Wooed by man, by him named Woman ! 

(Modern) 

There's the woman-suffragette. 

The one I love, my sweet Babette! 

She's anxious to be "mannish," 

Yet "tight-lacing" she won't banish! 

Prettily upon her tip-toes 

Trips she, blushing like the primrose. 

In a manner super-human. 

How she does it — knows but woman I 



30 




(Of All Ages) 

Many a thing there's yet to learn 
By the male-brute to discern 
In the eternal feminine ! 
Woman's the world's heroine. 
The fragrance of its atmosphere ! 
If she err, man, drop a tear! 
And press her closer to thy heart! 
Woman's mankind's better parti 




31 




Because it is a fact. 
Of which we all are aware, 
TTiat *'hat-less'* woman is 
A thing of beauty rare; 

Such as to tempt a Saint , 
His worship to address 
More to lady-fair. 
Than to beauty-of- holiness; 

Wherefore, Apostle Paul 
On this one thing stood pat 
That lovely woman must 
Wear in the Church a hat! 

In order that she be 
A screened divinity; 
And eyes profane elsewhere 
May seek an affinity! 






THE 

PITILESS SEA-AND THE 

MERCIFUL EARTH 

To quench the flame 
Of burning shame. 
That threatened to 
Destroy, undo 
Her honor — ^bare 
Her soul's despair; 
In ocean's wave 
She sought her grave! 

Thought she, from shame 
She'd saved her name: 
(Would not the deep 
Her secret keep? ) 
O'er moaning breeze 
The raging seas 
In anger shout : 
**Hence! Cast her out!'* 

To Mother-Earth, 
Who gave her birth. 
Behold! Her clay 
Is brought to-day! 
With loving arms 
Maid's faded charms 
Tenderly she folds. 
And never scolds! 



33 




THE PASSING CLOUD 




As to the shades recede 
TTie shadows of the night, 
Grey dawn the day begets, 
And darkness turns to hght! 

His smiling beams the sun 
In morning glory sheds; 
The face of all the earth 
With radiance o*erspreads! 

And if with skies o'ercast 
Sometimes the day appears; 
All veiled in misty haze, 
And wet, and raining tears — - 

Then comes the wind and clapj 
His healing wings aloud ; 
And lo ! 'Tis fair again ; 
*Twas but a passing cloud ! 




34 




STRIVING 




On the surging high sea saiHng, 
See, the Httle craft, so frail! 
Bidding wind and wave defiance, 
Fearing neither storm nor gale! 
Though the billows into mountains 
Rise and bar the passage clear; 
O'er their tops it ghdes securely 
To the harbor's bosom near! 

On the surging seas of passion 

Lo, the toiling Ship-of-life ! 

If she ever reach the haven 

Will it be worth labor's strife? 

Hark! Tlie people's voices shouting: 

*'Glory to the daring man!" 

Leave all doubts then, man, behind thee! 

Venture! Life is but a span! 



Published in the N.Y. Evening Journal, Aug. 13, 1910 



35 




Upon the vast, great ocean 
A tiny craft set sail ; 
Set wind, waves in commotion. 
That little boat, so frail ! 



Set sail — in lowly fashion 
And Wisdom's hidden art — 
On turbulent seas of passion 
A ship — Tlie human heart! 




36 




He who hunting goes must learn, 
Not only straight to shoot ; 
But also, to distinguish 
Betwixt man and brute! 




37 




And now that one by one. 
My comrades all are gone; 
Since my last bugle's call 
On lonely ears must fall; 

As I in silence moan 

Behold, Fm not alone! 



For lo ! Upon the stage 

The ailments of old-age! 

Rude guests they are; unbidden 

The presence of bed-ridden 

Invalids they invade; 

Departing, when death's debt's paid! 




38 




It does not pay to worry. 
To fret and to be sorry 
The whole day long — 
'Cause things go wrong! 
It is the height of folly, 
I say, not to be jolly 
When all-too-loud 
Shouts the merry crowd! 



It costs nothing to be happy, 
I tell you, my good chappie. 
You too, grief-laden. 
Foolish maiden, 
Why sighing all the while? 
Be ready with your smile, 
And th« world, too, 
Will laugli with you! 




39 




(Tune: My Country 'Tis Of Thee.) 



My Country! O that Thee, 

Land of the brave, the free. 

My own I call ! 

Land of a world new, 

Fresh as the morning-dew. 

Where hope's fair dreams come true, 

Thou art my all! 

II 

I love Thy cities fair, 
Set up high in the glare 
Of wealth untold ! 
I love Thy industries. 
Thy busy factories. 
Thy cherished memories* 
More than Thy gold! 



□ L 



DDE 



dde:= 



3F===1B 



40 



ElF=^l 




MY COUNTRY 




iL=^'^ 



III 

Land of sweet unity, 
Where opportunity 
Find ricii and poor! 
Where equal rights attain 
All who the peace maintain; 
Safe in dear Freedom's reign, 
Rest we secure! 

IV 

My Country! O that I 
Beneath Thy happy sky 
Live, labor, toil ! 
And, when I mount the crest 
Of life's wave, let me rest 
Mong Pilgrim-Fathers blest, 
In Thy free soil ! 



-f-M-i 



£}r==lL£===1E 



41 





IN EXITU ISRAEL DE RUSSIU ) 



From Odessee, 
In Czar's domain, 
Where lay the slain 

By Cossack's spear 

My kinsmen dear 

In pools of blood 

That unto God 

Ran "Vengeance!" crying; 

From 'mong the dying, 

Myself, half-dead, 

I rose and fled 

America, to Thee! 

II 

And as upon 
The golden sand 
Of Thy fair land 
I set my feet ; 
As its sweet 
And balmy air 
I breathed — all care 
I threw away! 
For in that day 
My heart was glad! 
I felt, I had 
My freedom won I 



42 




Ill 
Dear Liberty! 
My promised land! 
I lift my hand 
To Thee and swear : 
Henceforth to share 
Thy destiny! 
If in the m?.in, 
Though Jew, I gain 
Love and esteem 
As 77ian! I deem 
My lot the best 
'Mong mankind blest! 




43 




(Anniversary of the destruction of Jerusalem) 

Again the old-time grief 
And pain my heart o'ertakel 
Again I seek rehef 
From galhng, racking ache. 
My heart, it grieves to see 
Jerusalem not free! 

The wrathful day has come, 
ITie Ninth of Ab is here; 
Its terrors strike me dumb! 
I cannot speak; I hear 
The stones cry out, relate: 
** Jerusalem is desolate!*' 

Be hopeful though my soul ! 
Keep up the burning flame 
Of cherished love. Console 
Jerusalem! Her name 
And fame yet shall be great ; 
Not yet ; but none too late ! 




Published in Hebrew Standand, 1911 



44 




REMEMBER 




God our head, 
Remember our dead! 
The dead who fell 
In Israel, 

Not alone in war, 
Defending, dying for 
Their country dear; 
Also those who near 
Their hearth were grabbed 
By fiends and stabbed 
To death, because — 

O let me pause— 

It is no news—- — 
Because they were Jews! 




Published in Hebrew Standard, 1911 



45 




When I think of Thee, O ZIon! 
Glory of the Holy Land! 
Recollecting Thee as City 
Chartered by Jehovah's Hand; 
Thy gates of pearls, Thy walls of gold. 
By sage and prophet long foretold! 
I do wonder, I know not how 
Camest Thou to fall so low? 

II 
When I think of Thee, O Zion! 
Of Thy renown, of Thy great fame! 
When the word my lips do whisper. 
Mentioning Thy holy name! 
Name pronounced by many a tongi.:e 
In reverence, in holy song! 
Blessed Zion, recalling Thee, 
Why in tears Thy face I see? 



46 




Ill 
**What if strangers do me honor/* 
Sadly Zion answers me, 
"What if gentiles " Allelujah ! " 
''Amen!" shout with fervent glee; 
What if all the nations hail 
Me as queen of a Fairy-tale? . 
If the children, I've begotten. 
Me, their mother, have forgotten!'* 

IV 
*'Can a mother forget her own, 
Her bosom child, her only one ? 
Will other children satisfy 
I ler craving for the child that's gone? 
Will ever multitudes replace 
The image of the loved one's face? 
Never, never shall Zion rest, 
Until her ovvti are in her nest! 





(Tune: Home, Sweet Home) 



O Patriarch of ancient clays, 
Abraham of old! 

father of a people rich 
In blessings manifold! 
Formost that blest inheritance 
Of the Holy Land! 

Forever promised to be theirs, 
Now, no more in their hand! 

n 

1 pray Thee, Father, tell me where, 
O where in God's whole earth? 
lliis people. Thine, a home did find. 
A hospitable hearth? 

Knowst Thou the land, that happy land. 
That ever-blessed clime. 
Where Israel found a resting place 
For any length of time? 



43 




Ill 

As thus I mused, a thousand thoughts 

Invaded my mind*s train; 

They tortured me with questions hard 

Again, and o*er again! 

When all at once before me stood 

That venerable sage. 

Whom I invoked, and to me said 

The man bowed down with age : 

IV 

*'I, too, have left a Father's house, 

I, your Abraham! 

Have left the scenes of childhood's dreams. 

The fairest tents of Shem! 

Have parted, at the bidding of 

A divine command , 

From my home, my country dear. 

My own, dear-native land!" 



49 




"The land ye seek is still far-off. 

The rest not yet in sight! 

There's many a long, long road to tramp, 

Weary a day and night! 

Nevertheless with patience great 

Go wander in God*s name! 

'Tis your lot, your destiny 

To spread His faith and fame I 

VI 

And when ye shall have thus fulfilled* 

This, your mission true; 

When all the world afar and wide 

Shall give all honor due 

To God, the One and Only God, 

Then your song shall be, 

The dear-old song **At Home Again T' 

Jerusalem the free!'* 




50 




( In commemoration of the Lincoln Penny) 

In the dim and distant shadows 

Of primeval centuries 

*Way back in the golden era. 

Days of ancient memories 

Trod with certain steps a wand'rer — 

Abraham we call by name 

To the far-off land of promise. 
Even unto world wide fame! 



Abraham of recent memory, 
Lincoln man of yesterday! 
Simple woodsman, poor, untutored- 
Angel, demi-god to-day! 
Thee we worship as the Father 
Of a new and free-born race; 
On the millions of our pennies 
Cherish we thy bronzed face! 



(Another version of the last two lines) 

On sweet Labor's hard-earned pennies 
Benignly smiles thy bronzed face! 



Published in the N. Y. Evening Journal, Apr. 21, 1911 



51 




THE POOR 
ALSO GIVE THANKS 




Again we give Thee heartfelt thanks, Dear 

Lord! 
Naught else in gratitude can we afford 
To offer up to-day. We have not much 
Of anything to make show of, excepting such 
As fortitude, privation to endure! 
We thank Thee Lord, for that we still are 

poor! 

If w^e v/ere rich, perhaps, we ne*er had thought 
Of giving thanks! Perchance we would have 

sought 

The path of pleasure and the pace that kills. 
But we are still alive, and gladness fills 
Our hearts. In poverty we rest secure! 
We thank Tliee Lord, for that we still are 

poor ! 




Published in the New York Times, Thanksgiving- 
day, 1910. 



53 




"To give, or not to give," 

The question, as I live. 

Is utterly absurd! 

Indeed, who ever heard 

A soul express a doubt 

At Christmas time about 

The blessedness of giving? 

Whoever Cost-of-Living 

Figures — dollars, dimes. 

When ring the Christmas chimes? 



I 



The question, if at all , 
Is , how to make too small 
A gift look big! Know then: 
It with "Good will to !iien" 
And peace the heart overflows, 
The gift the bigger grows! 
Now, why ask questions queer? 
Fill up the cup*s good cheer! 
Unloose the tightened grip! 
And grant the ChristHias-Tipl 




Published in the Call, 1910. 



Z3 




I too, a Jew, do count my beads; 
I too, believe in a Trinity! 
Hear my Faith's confession, 'tis: 
"Repentance, Prayer, Charity!*' 

II 

Repentance pure and simple, such 
As bringeth forth the noble deed, 
And not alone vainglorious words : 
That's the JewishCreed ! 

illl 

And as to fervent prayers 
And chants of melody. 
Do tell me who can rival 
King David's Psalmody? 



54 





r' ^^\ 



FAITH OF MY FATHERS )] 



IV 

*'Above all Charity'* 
(That like a gentle river 
Floweth from the heart) 
Who more, than Jew, a Giver? 



Wherefore, of Thee I boast, 
Faith of my illustrious nation! 
For thou containest all 
Things needful to Salvation? 




Published in Hebrew Standard. 1911 




Said Rabbi Simon to his son : 
"Naphtali, my lusty lad. 
To market-place do quickly run 
And buy the "best** that can be had 
Of things to eat. I say, the "best**. 
Put thou thy intellect to test!*' 

II 

"A hind let-loose** was Naphtali, 
And quick to strike the bargain-best. 
"Think ye, I bring a spicy tart. 
Or sweet-meats for our worthy guest," 
The youth remarked, "if so, ye*re wrong; 
Tve bought a well-preserved tongue!*' 

Ill 

"The tongue has neither fat nor bone. 

Is tender, sweet and toothsome; 

'Tis the food that not alone 

Humans eat, but also angels gladsome!* 

"Well done!'* the Rabbi said; "now go. 

My son, and buy the "worst** you know!** 



^'According to the Talmud the three men whom 
Abraham entertained as guests at the plain of Mamre 
were Angels and the food he sat before them was 
Calf 's-tongue.) 



56 




IV 

Again the lad went out and back 
He came with his bargain-gruesome ; 
A goodly tongue he showed, just Hke 
The one he bought as wholesome; 
**How*s that, my boy, his father said, 
Can one thing be both good and bad?" 

V 

'*Yes, Father, '^said young NaphtaH: 
**In Holy Writ, in Book of Scriptures. 
Much wisdom and delight I've found 
And many Proverb-pictures." 
Thus saith the Word of inspired song: 
*'Bcth life and death is in the tongue.'* 




57 




PASTOR VS. CASTOR 




o^^^mL 



A sea-faring man» a sailor 
And a sport was Dives Castor; 
Owned a fashionable tailor 
And of real cloth a Pastor; 
Servants also, asses, monkeys. 
Lions had he, men of grain; 
A whole regiment of flunkies. 
Marching, followed in his train! 

II 

And the rich ones, the four hundred, 

Of whate'er variety. 

The aristocrats, stiff-laundried 

Bosoms of Society, 

Swelled with pride as from afar. 

From the distant far-away, 

They beheld their guiding star— — 

Castor coming down the Bay! 



5S 




Ill 

With the news of a new conquest 

Of a maiden sweet and fair; 

Won of Force by him, the much-blest, 

Richest, muhi-milhonaire; 

(Who, though worshipper of money 

And of: frigid, cold-hard cash, ) 

Also loved much matrimony 

With a fiery,, ybuthful dash! 

Joyously the news the Smart-Set 
Hailed, received with great delight I 
How they doted on their dear pet. 
The old-boy. the Errant-Knight! 
How Society did flutter 
O'er the nuptials' near event; 
Exclamations loud did utter 
For the ears of Castor meant! 



59 




PASTOR VS. CASTOR 




<^.=^^(^ 



What has happened to the Old-Boy? 

What gloom shrouded the Elite? 

Who so rudely spoiled their heart's Joy 

Of anticipation sweet? 

*Twas the preacher's saying: **TTiough King, 

Lord he be of land and sea; 

Never shall the Church's bells ring 

When again weds Divorcee T' 




(Subsequent events proved that the poet was 
mistaken,) 



60 




If I only had a nickel 
With my fortune of good health I 
If, of all the much and mickle, 
Of this world's piled up wealth, 
Half-a-dime came to my share — 
I should smile at dismal care! 

If that precious coin came roHmg 
From the distant far away ; 
Hitting me, would I be howling 
With delight or with dismay? 



Yes, Td grab it with much pleasure, 
Clinging to my nickel-treasure! 

Would I keep it on caressing, 
Tliis my single Five-cent-piece? 
Will it prove a curse or ble?sing, 
Will it bring me war or peace? 



How should I know its true meaning? 
Ne*er I see it, except when dreaming! 




<ii 




A little while — and the world in me 
A celebrated bard shall see! 
Not yet but soon great fame, renown 
And garlands green my brow shall crown ! 

II 

The editor, to whom Tve sent 
My poetry, his ear has lent 
Unto my Muse's soulful song; 
And. not to make my story long, 

III 

That noble man with black on white 
Forthwith for me a check did write. 
Which— God forbid!— Tliat I should e'er 
Exchange for dross or money — Ne'er! 



62 




NOT YET 



^^^^..,,^ 




IV 

A golden frame I shall provide 
For this, my treasure, to abide 
With me, upon my garret's wall 
From now, and to my last day's call ! 

V 

As thus I mused in rapture bound. 
Half dreaming, suddenly a sound 
Of knocking broke upon my ear. 
And I awoke and shook with fear! 

VI 

For there, before my very eyes. 
My hope is broken, shattered, dies! 
"Returned with thanks, the Editor, 
Is all I find, and nothing more ! 




63 




(With apologies to Jack and Jill. 

I 

Wake and Wack 
At the bid and beck 
Of a magician master 
Went up a peg 

And down a leg 

Straight into disaster. 

II 

Said Wake to Wack: 

"Tm on the rack. 

My blood's running faster; 

Upon my soul! 

I see a hole. 

And there's our master! 



64 




A MORAL 




III 

Good master Hook 
Alas, he took 
Too much upon himself; 
The cold north-pole 
Red-hot he stole 
Just for a httle pelf! 

IV 

If fortune forsake 
Hook , Wack and Wake, 
Who cares a briar? 
But the world's a fool, 
A credulous tool, 
To any darned, old liar! 




65 




WHERE DO I COME IN 




It was in fair September- 
How well II do remember- 



Anno Ninteen-hundred-nine : 
Gloriously the sun did shine 
With countenance of radiant rays 
Upon the shortened summer-days. 
Tlie air was balmy, calm, serene — 
When suddenly upon the scene 
Of this great world a soul- 
Stirring cry went up: '*The Pole! 
The pole! Earth's northmost nook 
At last was found by Doctor Cook! 



66 




II 



But ere that cry was fully out. 
Before the echo of that shout 
Had ceased to go around 



Again the cry : "Nay, I have found 
The pole! "was heard. *Twas Peary. 
Returning from the bleak and dreary 
Regions of the Artie-sea, 
Who publicly proclaimed that he, 
Solely, had reached that goal; 
None but he had found the pole!** 
Now, '* who is who-^" to ask I'm weary. 
The air is charged with Cook and Peary! 



67 




WHERE DO I COME IN 




III 

It was in fair September, 
The thirteenth, I remember 
Of the current year of grace. 
The summer-girl from her place 

Of many conquests came returning 

For that sweet sight my soul was yearning- 

Impatiently I paced the station, 

Oblivious of all creation. 

Save for that of my only love; 

At last I spied my cooing dove; 

I flew at her, I called her **Dearie!'* 

But she was raving : Cook and Peary ! 




68 




An honest man was Joseph 
Marcus and a thrifty lad. 
Saved the pennies till to dollars 
They increased. Now his head 
He holds erect, wields. 
Commands much power, too. 
Yet he is the same old Joseph : 
Modest, and of heart most truel 

Saith he: **Saving" was my hobby, 
Not a miser's craving — 
Nov/ I'll teach the poor the art, 
The mystery of '*savii)g.** 
No sooner said than done : 
And for honest labor's rank 
And file, yea for the workingman, 
Opened he "The Public Bank ." 




(Composed on the occasion of the opening of The 
Public Bank on Delancey and Ludlow Streets, by 
Joseph Marcus, the popular "East-Side" Banker.) 



6T 




In school, at college, two lads fair 
Of honors took an equal share ; 
In Latin, Greek, in Classics rare, 
In games and sports of every kind. 
They also did in high degree 
In matters general agree. 
Except that **Doctor" one to be 
Desired, the other **Law** would grind. 

II 
A.nd Medicus from school, pell mell. 
Among cadavers went to dwell; 
Whence he returned, the tale to tell 
That he was made full-fledged an M. D. 
Young Alex too, about that time 
Did graduate. Of Laws sublime 
Fie spoke, of Tort and Willful crime. 
Quite authoritatively. 

HI 

That their professions both well knew 
Is an established fact; this too, 
That litigants who came to sue 
Consulted ne'er Lex-Counselor. 
And the great army of mankind 
AfHicted with disease: TTie blind, 
The halt, the maimed, the poor-in-mind. 
All passed by Young Medicus door! 



70 




IV 

And summer-days have lingered on ; 
Long, weary hours have come and gone ; 
But never a cHent or patient upon 
Friend Lex and Medicus did call. 
And though the flowers had faded away; 
And southward flew all summer-birds gay; 
Their stout, young hearts never gave way 
To gloomy spells, nor spleen or gall. 

V 

At last a case loomed up in sight 
To the most infinite delight 
Of Lex, sweet Advocate of right. 
Forthwith he hastened to address 
**Flis Honor*', the judge, in open Court; 
Yet, though he strove to hold the fort, 
The landlord-plaintiff, on notice short. 
The tenant' Lawyer did dispossess! 

VI 
In course of time, late in the fall, 
A sound was heard in Medicus' hall, 
Glad-tidings ringing of a *'Cair* 
To the young doctor's eager ear. 
"At last!" He sighed, "I do behold!" 
That sight his blood did make run cold! 
'Twas starving Lex — a beggar bold! 
Now Medicus is acting queer! 



71 




THERE'S '^^^-^^^X 

SOMTHING IN THE AIR 




There's something in the air; a still, small voice 

Foretelling who's the coming people's choice! 

Bill Taft is getting thinner 'round the belt; 

*Tis quite the other way with Teddy 

Roosevelt ! 



That Teddy to the **Third-Term" tune will 

dance 

No sane man will deny. Give him a chance 

Again, and he will smash the precedent 

That wars against a "third-time" president! 

The puny, pale-faced dolls are put away; 

Tlie Teddy-bears, instead, have come to stay ! 

The dove-of-peace has fled to Afric's velt. 

And lo! The gleaming teeth of Teddy 

Roosevelt ! 




72 



MAB 28 1912 



\ I 



